Derry City has publicly distanced itself from James McClean's recent comments on mental health and therapy. The club issued a statement on Monday making clear that the player's views do not reflect its core values or beliefs.

Derry City places the highest priority on the mental health and wellbeing of its players, staff, and the wider community. The club is supported by an in-house psychologist and actively encourages players to seek support for any mental health challenges they face. In a further step, the club has accepted an invitation to meet with the Men's Action Network charity to discuss mental health issues.

McClean described players speaking to the club psychologist as weak. He stated that, as a man, he sees asking for help as a sign of weakness. The Men's Action Network responded by saying asking for help is not a weakness and that it has worked for decades to challenge such stigma. The charity has also said it is seeking a meeting with McClean himself.

This is the second time in a fortnight the club has had to respond to comments from the 37-year-old winger. McClean returned to his boyhood club in January but has not featured in the squad since the start of August amid an ongoing contract dispute. He has made 20 appearances for the Candystripes this season without scoring.

The off-field situation unfolds as Derry City sit fifth in the League of Ireland Premier Division with 44 points from 34 matches, a record of ten wins, fourteen draws, and ten losses. They have scored 46 goals this season while conceding 44. Their recent form has been solid, with three wins, a draw, and one loss in their last five games, including a 1-0 victory over St Patrick's Athletic last Saturday where Kévin Santos scored the winner. This followed a 2-0 defeat away to Drogheda United the previous Friday. They now prepare for a home fixture against Dundalk this Friday, a side they beat 4-2 in their last meeting. Dundalk currently sit sixth in the table. The team's attacking efforts this campaign have been led by top scorer M. Duffy, who has netted 12 goals.

The club's firm stance on wellbeing comes ahead of their FAI Cup final against Waterford at the Aviva Stadium, with Kevin O'Sullivan appointed as the match referee. Derry City's immediate focus returns to the pitch for the visit of sixth-placed Dundalk.

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